Hot And Sour Soup With Beef

beef, sliced in thin strips
bamboo shoots, sliced in thin strips
shittake or wood ear mushrooms sliced in thin strips
tofu (tender)
cornstarch
Chinese vinegar (the black kind)
pepper
chili pepper oil
sesame oil (optional)
chicken stock
soy sauce
dash of sugar

Directions:

Marinate the beef in some soy sauce and cornstarch for about 10 minutes.

Stir fry the beef for a few seconds, being careful not to cook it all the way until done.

Remove the beef from heat, then stir fry it along with the bamboo shoots and mushrooms for a few seconds.

Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.

Add the tofu and allow to simmer for a few minutes.

Next, flavor with vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and chili oil, then sugar to taste.

Mix a bit of cornstarch with some water in a bowl and add it to the soup. This is only to thicken the soup a little, so you don't want to add to much.

Add a dash of sesame oil before serving.

Notes:

There aren't really any measurements for anything because that's how authentic Chinese chefs cook!